Little Talks

The recording

The studio version of "Little Talks" is anchored by two Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitars, each equipped with an LR Baggs M80 pickup and recorded both via a condenser mic and direct injection, yielding a clear, open‑strummed foundation. Brynjar Leifsson adds a faint electric layer on a Fender Telecaster routed through a Vox AC30, providing subtle melodic accents that sit behind the acoustic guitars. The guitars are panned opposite each other, with modest plate reverb applied to create depth and a cohesive folk‑pop texture.

Tuning Standard

Reported gear

Yamaha FG800

Acoustic Guitar

Both vocalists play Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitars, providing the bright, rhythmic strumming that underpins the track.

LR Baggs M80 Acoustic Pickup

Pickup

An active LR Baggs M80 pickup is installed in each acoustic guitar, feeding a clean DI signal into the console.

Fender Telecaster

Electric Guitar

Brynjar Leifsson adds electric texture on a Fender Telecaster, an instrument he is known to use in the studio, delivering subtle lead lines that sit behind the acoustic mix.

Vox AC30

Amp

The Telecaster is routed through a Vox AC30, an amp commonly used by the band in recording sessions, giving a warm, chime‑y British tone that sits behind the acoustic guitars.

Alternatives

Yamaha FG700S

Still made · for the Yamaha FG800

$150 to $180

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the Fender Telecaster

$300 to $350

LR Baggs M5

Budget alternative · for the LR Baggs M80 Acoustic Pickup

$150 to $180

Vox AC4 Modeling Amp

Modern equivalent · for the Vox AC30

$300 to $400

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Strum with a pick near the bridge and use a capo on the 2nd fret to capture the bright, percussive acoustic tone.
2. 2.Blend the acoustic's DI signal from the LR Baggs M80 with a close‑mic to retain body and clarity.
3. 3.Add a subtle plate reverb and light compression to emulate the spacious mix of the recording.
4. 4.Set the Vox AC30’s volume high and treble moderate for a warm, chimey electric texture that sits behind the acoustics.